Rotatable Arm Pile Guide Frame for Seabed Adaptation

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pile guide frames for underwater pile-driving operations are costly and heavy due to the need for multiple pile guide sleeves, and they require time-consuming and expensive carrier adaptations for different seabed topologies.

Innovation Solution

A pile guide frame coupled with a rotatable arm, featuring a supporting frame with rail surfaces, a rotation module, leveling modules with hydraulic actuators, and a pile guide module, which allows for adjustable height and inclination, enabling precise positioning and pile driving with reduced components and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pile guide sleeves are provided for different seabed topologies, then adaptability is improved, but weight and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different seabed topologiesVSAvoidweight of pile guide frame

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static multiple pile guide sleeves with a dynamic rotatable arm system. The rotatable arm can be rotated to different positions and angles, allowing a single arm to perform the function of multiple fixed sleeves. This dynamic adjustment capability provides adaptability to different seabed topologies without the weight penalty of having multiple physical sleeves simultaneously present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable arm serves multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components. A single rotatable arm can guide piles at different positions and orientations by rotating to the required configuration, making it a universal component that replaces multiple specialized pile guide sleeves, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pile guide sleeves are provided for different seabed topologies, then adaptability is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different seabed topologiesVSAvoidcost of pile guide frame

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable arm serves multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components. A single rotatable arm can guide piles at different positions and orientations by rotating to the required configuration, making it a universal component that replaces multiple specialized pile guide sleeves, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static multiple pile guide sleeves with a dynamic rotatable arm system. The rotatable arm can be rotated to different positions and angles, allowing a single arm to perform the function of multiple fixed sleeves. This dynamic adjustment capability provides adaptability to different seabed topologies without the weight penalty of having multiple physical sleeves simultaneously present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional pile guide frames are used with jack-up barges, then stability is improved, but operational flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of pile guide frameVSAvoidadaptability to different seabed topologies

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static multiple pile guide sleeves with a dynamic rotatable arm system. The rotatable arm can be rotated to different positions and angles, allowing a single arm to perform the function of multiple fixed sleeves. This dynamic adjustment capability provides adaptability to different seabed topologies without the weight penalty of having multiple physical sleeves simultaneously present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables efficient and precise underwater pile driving with reduced costs and weight, adapting to various seabed topologies by using a single rotatable arm and leveling modules, facilitating faster and more economical operations.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one rotatable arm is rotated by a rotation module so as to move a pile guide module along the at least one rail surface of a supporting frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation: Gear

Implementation Method 2

the leveling module adjusts its own height or inclination angle through at least one first actuator and thereby adjusts the height or inclination angle of the entire supporting frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

the supporting frame is provided with at least one set of at least one positioning block and at least one set of at least one locking support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS10487470B2Operating method of pile guide frame coupled with rotatable arm

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 SHIP & OCEAN INDUSTRIES R&D CENTER

AI summary

A pile guide frame is coupled with at least one rotatable arm and includes a plurality of leveling modules for compensating for differences in height of the seabed. The rotatable arm can be rotated along a supporting frame and thereby move a pile guide module to facilitate pile-driving operations. A method for operating a pile guide frame coupled with at least one rotatable arm is also provided.